Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background
Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background
Close-up of a guitar's neck and pickguard with a dark background
Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background
Glossy black electric guitar with gold pickguard on a dark background
Close up of bridge on a vintage electric guitar with gold pickguard
Close up of toggle switch on an electric guitar
Guitar with black and gold finish on a dark background
Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background, close up
Back view of a black electric guitar on a dark background
Close up strap connector an a vintage electric guitar
Back view of a guitar on a dark background
Close up of neck on an electric guitar
Close-up of a Rickenbacker guitar headstock on a dark background
Close-up of a guitar headstock with tuning pegs on a dark background
Close-up of a Rickenbacker guitar headstock with visible branding.
Guitar with black body and gold pickguard on a stand against a dark background
Guitar on a stand against a dark background
Guitar headstock with tuning pegs on a red background
Guitar cable and strap in a red guitar case
Electric guitar with gold pickguard in a case with red interior
Close up of guitar strap attached to an electric guitar
Close-up of a guitar bridge with strings
Vintage-style guitar case on a dark background
Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background
Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background
Close-up of a guitar's neck and pickguard with a dark background
Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background
Glossy black electric guitar with gold pickguard on a dark background
Close up of bridge on a vintage electric guitar with gold pickguard
Close up of toggle switch on an electric guitar
Guitar with black and gold finish on a dark background
Black and gold electric guitar on a dark background, close up
Back view of a black electric guitar on a dark background
Close up strap connector an a vintage electric guitar
Back view of a guitar on a dark background
Close up of neck on an electric guitar
Close-up of a Rickenbacker guitar headstock on a dark background
Close-up of a guitar headstock with tuning pegs on a dark background
Close-up of a Rickenbacker guitar headstock with visible branding.
Guitar with black body and gold pickguard on a stand against a dark background
Guitar on a stand against a dark background
Guitar headstock with tuning pegs on a red background
Guitar cable and strap in a red guitar case
Electric guitar with gold pickguard in a case with red interior
Close up of guitar strap attached to an electric guitar
Close-up of a guitar bridge with strings
Vintage-style guitar case on a dark background

Rickenbacker

Rickenbacker Combo 400, Black (1956)

$0.00 Sold out

Pickup currently unavailable at 165 Showroom

Free UPS Ground Shipping (Continental U.S. Only)

Product information

Rickenbacker's iconic electric guitar designs originated in early models like this Combo 400

1956 Rickenbacker Combo 400 in original Black finish just into the shop.

This is an absolutely stunning example of one of Rickenbacker's earliest solidbody electric models, and a first-year example at that! With its neck-through construction, distinct tulip body shape, and single Dearmond pickup with large anodized aluminum pickguard, it truly stands out among its contemporaries.

This guitar is one of the cleanest we've encountered, and with the exception of some divots on the back of the neck from case friction on the accessory pouch latch, it's about as good as they come.

It's entirely original throughout, from the amazing sounding Dearmond pickup to the wiring harness, bridge, tuners, and plastics. While quite basic in form and function, its tone is absolutely other-worldly. The Dearmond pickup is massive sounding, with an extended low end and clear, chimey top end that has an almost grand piano like sustain and frequency range.

The guitar even includes its original hardshell case and leather hook strap! No additional strap buttons have been added, which is quite rare to see. A true closet find of a guitar, and one of the more unique electrics we've had in the shop in some time.

Body
Style
Solidbody
Body
Maple
Finish
Nitrocellulose
Color
Black

Hardware
Pickups
Original Dearmond | 9.17k
Electronics
Original Clarostat | 140641 pot code (41st week of 1956)
Controls
Volume / Tone / Tone Bypass switch
Bridge
Original
Tuners
Original Grover
Pickguard
Original Anodized Gold
Knobs
Original
Truss Rod Cover
Original

Neck
Neck
Maple
Binding
N/A
Carve
D | .91-.94"
Fingerboard
Padauk
Inlays
Dots
Frets
Original
Nut
Original
Scale Length
24 3/4"

Other
Serial #
4C6 143
Weight
6lb 1oz
Case
Original Hardshell

Preserving The Past. Played Into The Future.

Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they’ll play beautifully for decades to come.

Pricing

We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.

Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

Tasteful Restoration

When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.

Accurate Listings

Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.

Shipping

With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.