TEST: Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool

 Only very few companies are able to leave a real mark in both the electric guitar and electric bass sectors. Apart from the legendary Fender, who can also claim to have invented the electric bass, only the name Rickenbacker has been permanently etched into the minds of music enthusiasts when it comes to guitars and basses. On the plus side, the bass sector is very strong with names such as Geddy Lee, Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Glenn Hughes and Lemmy, while on the guitar side there are names such as John Fogerty, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty and, right at the top, the Beatles. With the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool, the company has an offshoot that is based heavily on a very well-known model, but still has a life of its own.

The construction of the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool

The name of the instrument says it all, as it is the sister model of the 325 model, the instrument that also began its triumphal march under the name "John Lennon guitar". In principle, this instrument could have taken the world by storm if it hadn't had a peculiarity that has put the majority of guitarists off. Unfortunately, the instrument only has an extremely short 527 mm scale length, which makes playing it almost impossible for real "men's hands". Comparatively small artist hands like those of Bangles singer/guitarist Susanna Hoffs felt right at home on this instrument, but the general response to this detail was rather low.

In order to eliminate this shortcoming of the otherwise legendary instrument, the company of Adolph Rickenbacher, a Swiss who immigrated to the USA in 1918 (who later changed his name to "Rickenbacker", which was easier for Americans to articulate), largely adopted the key data of the 325 model, but swapped the scale length for the short Gibson scale length of 628 mm. The result is an all-round successful model, which comes with all the trademarks such as "toaster pickups", semi-acoustic construction and an incredibly low weight of around 2.7 kg.

The instrument, built in the USA, is largely based on maple, which is used to make the three-piece neck and the two-piece body. Until 2017, the instrument was fitted with a Bubinga fingerboard, and from 2017 onwards with rosewood (Caribbean rosewood). The instrument has only 21 frets, a trapeze tailpiece, deluxe vintage mechanics and a bridge made up of 6 individual saddles, which is covered with a protective bar (can be removed if it gets in the way). In comparison to other Rickenbacker models, the instrument is designed in mono. An elaborate, high-end case is included in the delivery.

The pickups and the circuit

It's not just the look that allows you to travel back in time almost 6 decades, the electronics used are also strongly based on the legendary models of the sixties. Once again, a very important part of the original "Rici" sound (not only in the 12-string version) are the vintage single coil toaster pickups, those single coils that, with their very low output and a classic "hollow" sound, are largely responsible for the legendary sound.

In principle, it's self-explanatory, but just to be on the safe side, it should be mentioned again. These instruments were developed at a time when a distorted sound was either an indication of a defective/overloaded amplifier or of another defective component in the signal flow. One thing was certain, however, a distorted guitar sound was NOT desired UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. The idea that amplifiers decades later would be designed to be able to produce as MUCH distortion as possible on demand would have only elicited a loud laugh from the protagonists of his time.

Accordingly, it was also in the inventor's interest to design pickups with a comparatively low output power so as not to overblow the amplifier's preamp. Clean sounds ruled the guitar world, and in order to make a brief impression in a solo, the rear, usually sharper-sounding pickup was chosen. Channel change? Master volume? PA? FOH? No way. Therefore, the focus was mostly on being able to produce as varied a range of undistorted sounds as possible on the instrument, which brings us to the unusual control layout of the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool.

The quick-and-easy Vintage Fender Strat, 3 pickups - 3-way switch solution seemed too "homemade" to Rickenbacker, which is why they soldered together a clever circuit consisting of a three-way switch and 5 rotary controls. Similar to other instruments of this decade, the bridge pickup was regulated as little as possible in order to be heard quickly in the solo/lead case with a simple movement of the pickup selector switch. This is also the case with the circuit of the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool, where in switch position 3 only the bridge pickup with volume and tone controls can be heard. Interestingly, the volume controls on this instrument are both at the bottom as seen by the guitarist, whereas on almost all other instruments they are at the top. This also shows the importance of the volume control compared to the tone control.

In switch position 1, the same circuit applies to the neck pickup. Things get interesting in the middle position of the switch, where the neck and midrange pickups are controlled equally by the neck pickup controls and the bridge pickup can be mixed in continuously. The midrange pickup cannot therefore be operated on its own. In direct comparison to the neck and midrange pickups, the bridge pickup sounds significantly thinner, quieter and slimmer. In order to match the front two pickups in this respect, the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool has the ominous fifth control knob, which reduces all three pickups to the same quiet and comparatively thin vintage sound. The flexibility of the clean sounds is as great as the above explanation is long.

The Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool in practice

If you want to experience the sound characteristics of the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool in all their authenticity, you should use an appropriate amplifier from this decade. If you don't have a suitable representative such as the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool, then you should try a different amplifier. If you have a guitar from Fender, Vox, Hiwatt or Marshall, for example, it should at least be the clean channel of a corresponding all-tube amp with as much headroom as possible. A touch of saturation is also allowed, but really only a very subtle crunch. Anything beyond that would immediately be met with brilliant feedback anyway.

You can tell with every fiber of the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool who this instrument was made for. It is rare to experience such an acoustic sound as with the respective representatives of this company. Since the acoustic guitar had reached the limits of its amplification due to feedback at the time, you can literally feel how the company tried to maintain the acoustic character and still introduce the instrument into the era of stadium rock.

This succeeds extraordinarily well, not to say excellently. The glued-on neck produces an incredibly long sustain despite the not very solid construction, while the hollowed-out body can maintain the vibration behavior of a purely acoustic guitar over long distances. The result is one of the best sounding semi-acoustic guitars in the world, provided you want to stick to clean sounds. The longer scale length compared to its sister model is still in the short scale range, but allows for significantly better playability than the John Lennon scale length, which almost resembles a mandolin.

The instrument shines with an incredibly finely resolved, extremely characterful and of course legendary sound. There is hardly a person in the first and second world who has not heard at least 10 world hits in which a Rickenbacker guitar plays a crucial role. This is also the case with the Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool, which seamlessly continues the tradition in terms of sound.

At a time when music, both vocally and instrumentally, was defined by harmonies and not by frequencies, Rickenbacker provided a stable foundation to support choral singing at any volume that the amplifier could deliver. This is still the case today, although it will be much harder for the instrument to hold its own in the "more pressure, more pressure, more pressure" productions.

Conclusion

The Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool is a top-class instrument when it comes to clean electric guitar sounds. The sister model of the 325 "John Lennon Guitar" delivers the perfect "missing link" between an acoustic and a solid body guitar and impresses with excellent, legendary sounds, good playability and very good workmanship. An absolute must for fans of clean guitar sounds in all variations.

Definitely try it out!

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Additional Informations:

Rickenbacker Guitars, a name synonymous with innovation and iconic sound, has played a crucial role in shaping the music industry. From its pioneering efforts in the development of electric guitars to its association with legendary musicians, Rickenbacker’s history is a testament to its enduring legacy. This article explores the origins, key milestones, and lasting impact of Rickenbacker Guitars, tracing its journey from a small workshop in Los Angeles to a global musical powerhouse.

**Early Beginnings: The Birth of the Electric Guitar**

The story of Rickenbacker begins in the early 1930s, a time of significant technological advancements and changing musical tastes. The company’s origins can be traced to George Beauchamp, a talented musician and inventor, who was seeking ways to amplify the sound of his guitar. Frustrated with the limitations of acoustic guitars, Beauchamp envisioned an electrically amplified instrument that could produce a louder and more versatile sound.

**The Frying Pan: The World’s First Electric Guitar**

In 1931, Beauchamp, along with Adolph Rickenbacker, a Swiss-born engineer and toolmaker, developed the prototype of the world’s first electric guitar. This instrument, affectionately known as the “Frying Pan” due to its round, flat body, was a lap steel guitar equipped with an electromagnetic pickup. The pickup, a revolutionary device at the time, converted the vibrations of the strings into electrical signals, which could then be amplified and projected through a speaker.

The Frying Pan’s innovative design marked a significant departure from traditional acoustic guitars. It featured a solid aluminum body, which helped reduce feedback and sustain unwanted vibrations. This new design allowed for greater control over the amplified sound, paving the way for future developments in electric guitar technology.

**Founding of the Electro String Instrument Corporation**

Recognizing the potential of their invention, Beauchamp and Rickenbacker established the Electro String Instrument Corporation in 1932. The company, based in Los Angeles, began producing and marketing the Frying Pan under the brand name “Rickenbacker.” Adolph Rickenbacker’s expertise in metalworking and manufacturing was instrumental in bringing the Frying Pan to market, while Beauchamp’s musical background and innovative spirit drove the company’s early success.

**Expanding the Product Line: The Early Years**

Throughout the 1930s, Rickenbacker continued to refine its electric guitar designs and expand its product line. In addition to the Frying Pan, the company introduced several other electric instruments, including Spanish-style guitars and violins. These early instruments were well-received by musicians, who appreciated their unique sound and increased volume.

One of the most significant innovations during this period was the development of the Rickenbacker Electro Spanish Guitar. This instrument, introduced in 1935, featured a hollow wooden body and a magnetic pickup. It was one of the first commercially successful electric guitars and laid the groundwork for the solid-body electric guitars that would dominate the market in the following decades.

**World War II and Post-War Innovations**

The outbreak of World War II in the early 1940s brought significant challenges to the music industry. Materials shortages and labor disruptions affected production, but Rickenbacker persevered. During this time, the company continued to innovate, experimenting with new materials and designs.

After the war, Rickenbacker emerged as a leading manufacturer of electric guitars. The company’s post-war instruments, such as the Model B and Model 59, featured improved pickups and construction techniques. These advancements helped establish Rickenbacker as a respected name in the burgeoning electric guitar market.

**The 1950s: Entering the Rock ‘n’ Roll Era**

The 1950s marked a pivotal decade for Rickenbacker, as the company’s instruments became synonymous with the emerging rock ‘n’ roll genre. In 1953, F.C. Hall, a former distributor for Fender and Gibson, acquired Rickenbacker. Hall’s business acumen and vision for the company helped drive its success during this transformative period.

Under Hall’s leadership, Rickenbacker introduced several iconic models that would become staples of rock ‘n’ roll music. The Rickenbacker Combo 400, introduced in 1956, was one of the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitars. Its sleek design, distinctive sound, and innovative features, such as a neck-through-body construction, set it apart from other guitars on the market.

**The 1960s: The British Invasion and Beatlemania**

The 1960s brought unprecedented fame to Rickenbacker, thanks in large part to its association with The Beatles. In 1964, John Lennon received a Rickenbacker 325, a semi-hollow electric guitar, as a gift from the company. Lennon’s use of the 325 in early Beatles performances and recordings catapulted Rickenbacker to international prominence.

George Harrison, another member of The Beatles, also became a Rickenbacker enthusiast. His use of the Rickenbacker 360/12, a twelve-string electric guitar, on hits like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Ticket to Ride” showcased the instrument’s unique jangly sound and solidified Rickenbacker’s place in rock history.

The British Invasion, spearheaded by The Beatles, led to a surge in demand for Rickenbacker guitars. Other British bands, such as The Who and The Byrds, also embraced Rickenbacker’s distinctive sound. Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, in particular, popularized the Rickenbacker 360/12, using its chiming tone to define the band’s folk-rock sound.

**The 1970s and 1980s: Continued Innovation and Enduring Legacy**

Rickenbacker continued to innovate and adapt to changing musical trends in the 1970s and 1980s. The company introduced new models, such as the 4000 series bass guitars, which became favorites among bassists for their powerful sound and distinctive looks. Notable bassists like Paul McCartney of The Beatles and Chris Squire of Yes used Rickenbacker basses to create iconic bass lines that defined the sound of their respective bands.

Despite the rise of new competitors and changing musical tastes, Rickenbacker maintained its reputation for quality and innovation. The company’s commitment to handcrafting instruments using traditional methods and high-quality materials set it apart in an increasingly mass-produced market.

**The Modern Era: Sustaining Tradition and Embracing Innovation**

In the 21st century, Rickenbacker has continued to uphold its tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. The company remains family-owned, with John Hall, son of F.C. Hall, serving as CEO. Under his leadership, Rickenbacker has maintained its commitment to producing high-quality instruments while embracing modern technologies and materials.

Rickenbacker’s modern product line includes reissues of classic models, as well as new designs that cater to contemporary musicians. The company’s dedication to preserving its heritage while adapting to the needs of modern players has ensured its continued relevance in the music industry.

**Impact and Legacy**

Rickenbacker’s impact on the music world is profound and enduring. The company’s instruments have been used by some of the most influential musicians in history, shaping the sound of rock ‘n’ roll, folk, and other genres. Rickenbacker’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among musicians and collectors alike.

The distinctive sound of Rickenbacker guitars and basses, characterized by their bright, jangly tones and rich harmonics, continues to inspire musicians across genres. The company’s legacy is also reflected in its contributions to guitar technology, from the development of the electromagnetic pickup to the introduction of neck-through-body construction.

**Conclusion**

Rickenbacker Guitars has a storied history that spans nearly a century. From its pioneering efforts in the development of electric guitars to its association with legendary musicians, Rickenbacker has left an indelible mark on the music industry. The company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and tradition has ensured its enduring legacy, making Rickenbacker a name synonymous with excellence in the world of guitars. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to the changing musical landscape, its instruments will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of music history for generations to come.