Rickenbacker 335, Jetglo (USED, 1966)

A vintage "tuxedo" Rickenbacker is one of the coolest electric guitars in our humble opinion. There's really nothing quite like these 60s semi-hollows. When it comes to model popularity, the 330 has long been championed by players such as Tom Petty, Peter Buck, and Kevin Parker, continuing to solidify its position among Golden Era vintage electrics.

Essentially a Model 330 at its core, this 1966 Rickenbacker 335 differs from the 330 only in its tailpiece style. The short 'R' fixed tailpiece is substituted for a tremolo tailpiece, while all other elements of the build remain the same. A fantastic sounding pair of original "toaster" pickups deliver that unmistakable Ric tone - chime, air, and sparkle that defines much of what these guitars are known for. Plug into a Vox AC30 and go for your favorite Heartbreakers or REM tune - the sound is there in an instant.

What makes this particular guitar a little more special is the finish. Mapleglo and Fireglo ruled the roost for many of these models, so finding one finished in Jetglo is always exciting. The previous owner purchased this guitar in 1970 full well knowing that it wasn't your typical off-the-rack finish.

At 7 3/4 lbs on the nose, this Rickenbacker 335 lands right in the sweet spot for the double-cutaway semi-hollow. It's very well balanced with unfettered access all the way up the neck. Condition is great, honestly. Black guitars show their age almost instantly, and for a near 60 year old guitar, it shows just how well cared for it is. Most of the body wear is identified on the back of the guitar with various nicks, scratches, and bumps throughout. A small fissure extending from the top of the "slash" remains very stable, appearing more like a finish crack than anything else. The slab Rosewood fingerboard is quite clean, and the original frets show only minor wear in the first position. The original stepped pickguard remains crack-free, and all knobs are original as well as the famed truss rod cover.

Includes original hardshell case.

Image by © Jeff Albertson/CORBIS. ca. 1978, Boston, Massachusetts, USA — The Jam