While buying a modern Rickenbacker is certainly no mistake

deserving history carrying an unmatched level of prestige and quality. The guitars are 100% American and hand-crafted. In a world of outsourcing, cheapening components, and knock-offs, Rickenbackers have not buckled under pressure. They have maintained their excellence since their inception and have appealed to a range of influential artists including: The Beatles, Motörhead, The Who, The E Street Band, U2, and many more. Rickenbacker International Corporation, also known as Rickenbacker, is an electric and bass guitar manufacturer based in Santa Ana, California. In 1932, the company became the world's first to produce electric guitars and eventually produced a range of electric and bass guitars. The company was founded in 1931 as the Ro-Pat-In Corporation (ElectRo-Patent-Instruments) by Adolph Rickenbacher and George Beauchamp in order to sell electric Hawaiian guitars. These instruments had been designed by Beauchamp, assisted at the National String Instruments Corporation by Paul Barth and Harry Watson. They chose the brand name Rickenbacher (later changed to Rickenbacker), though early examples bear the brand name Electro. While buying a modern Rickenbacker is certainly no mistake, I feel that the feel and tone of the pre-1980's models are the best. This could be chalked up to a number of factors: materials, craft, aging, etc. But the simple fact is that you can absolutely tell the difference when you play a new one versus old one. A lot of people will tell you that the new ones aren't worth it—I'd disagree. I think they're fine guitars. However if you want to experience all that playing a Rick can offer, I'd recommend a vintage one. I have a 1979 Black 4001 with all original internals and I love it. The cost difference between a new Rickenbacker and a vintage one can actually be pretty nominal (however, they can be astronomical too). You're going to want to shoot for the $1300-$2500 range for a vintage one. A new one will run you around $2000. They hold their value incredibly well.