Rickenbacker was established in 1931 in Los Angeles, California, by Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp. The company initially focused on producing electric lap steel guitars, eventually becoming a significant player in the electric guitar market. Rickenbacker is often celebrated for its pioneering role in the creation of the electric guitar and is known for its unique tone and high-quality craftsmanship.
In the 1930s, Rickenbacker collaborated with Clayton “Doc” Kauffman, an innovative engineer and inventor. Kauffman developed the Vib-Rola, one of the earliest mechanical vibrato systems for guitars. This device, often referred to as a tremolo or whammy bar, allowed guitarists to modulate pitch by altering string tension. Rickenbacker integrated the Vib-Rola into several models, including the Electro-Spanish Ken Roberts, making it the first electric guitar produced and sold with a vibrato system as a standard feature.
Tremolos and Vibrato Systems: Rickenbacker has experimented with a variety of tremolo and vibrato bar systems over the years, integrating them into their classic guitar models. While Rickenbacker isn’t as widely recognized for its tremolo as some other guitar brands, their use of vibrato bar systems provides a distinctive sound and a smoother tremolo action, often favored by artists seeking a particular vintage feel. The company’s approach to tremolo bars focuses on providing subtle pitch variation, making them ideal for genres like rock, pop, and even some jazz, where a moderate use of the whammy bar is desirable.
Rickenbacker’s tremolos are typically seen on select models, and while not all of their guitars feature a whammy bar, the ones that do are renowned for their reliability and musical expressiveness. The incorporation of vibrato bars into their models reflects Rickenbacker’s commitment to offering diverse playing styles without compromising the instrument’s signature jangly tone.
Popular Products
Rickenbacker 330: One of their most iconic guitars, known for its bright, jangly sound. The 330 model sometimes includes a vibrato bar, which allows for light tremolo effects while retaining Rickenbacker’s characteristic tone.
Rickenbacker 360: This semi-hollow body guitar is popular among many artists for its versatility. The 360 model occasionally features a whammy bar, providing musicians with the option to add subtle tremolo to their playing.
Rickenbacker 325: Famously used by John Lennon, the 325 is a short-scale guitar that has featured a Kaufmann vibrato bar on some versions, offering a unique tremolo sound that adds to its vintage appeal.
Consumer Reviews
Tone Quality: Consumers often praise Rickenbacker guitars for their unique, jangly tone. The addition of a tremolo or vibrato bar on certain models is seen as a way to enhance this distinct sound without overwhelming it.
Build Quality: Rickenbacker is lauded for their craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The tremolo systems are considered reliable, although some players mention that they are best suited for subtle effects rather than aggressive whammy bar dives.
Playability: Players appreciate the smooth action of Rickenbacker’s vibrato bars. However, some mention that the tremolo range is somewhat limited compared to brands that specialize in more dramatic pitch modulation.
For more information, you can visit Rickenbacker and explore their full range of products, including their tremolo-equipped guitars and other musical instruments.
